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Arsenal's manager has expressed confidence that his team can keep managing with player absences after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for the coming weeks.

Prolonged Recovery for Havertz

Havertz has been out since the summer following an operation on his knee. Hoped to return sooner, Arteta explained the player encountered a problem when stepping up his recovery and failed to reach “the next phase.”

“Our experience helped us build a group that is considerably steadier and has greater depth,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a tactical puzzle for Wednesday’s match against Brentford. A decision is required between persisting with Mikel Merino, who got a goal in an unfamiliar forward role on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who made a return off the bench off the bench. Veteran striker Gabriel Jesus is also in contention after 11 months out.

Defensive Concerns Remain

Additional concerns affect centre-back William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the weekend encounter. Therefore, summer signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are expected to keep their places in the backline for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on new players in the last transfer window has resulted in a more robust situation to navigate such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

Questioned if more options was helping their title quest, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has seen more issues in certain positions, and now the situation with the backline,” he noted.

“History has shown us that we need to utilize players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we aim to challenge at the top. And the case of Mikel Merino.”

Manager’s Sympathy for Suffering Star

Addressing the delay highlighted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Arteta offered more insight. “He followed all protocols. He failed to advance to the subsequent stage and now it’s looking like we have solved that issue.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to have him back. “The team is keen to have him. Honestly, Havertz is someone that, personally, I value highly for what he brings to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I see him suffer being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I am eagerly awaiting to get him back with the squad playing because I think it’s going to be a huge lift.”